Removal of the sac during surgery for the repair of “giant” paraesophageal hernias

Table 2 Operative and postoperative outcomes, n (%)

	Hiatal hernia repair without removal of the hernia sac (n = 36)	Hiatal hernia repair with removal of the hernia sac (n = 30)	P value
Method of operation
Laparoscopy	28 (77.8)	24 (80)
Open	6 (16.7)	4 (13.3)
Conversion	2 (5.5)	2 (6.7)
Type of PHH
Type II	17 (47.2)	14 (46.7)
Type III	12 (33.3)	10 (33.3)
Type IV	7 (19.5)	6 (20)
Intrathoracic stomach	11 (30.6)	8 (26.7)
Operation time, minute, median (range)			< 0.001
Laparoscopy	114 (100-135)	144 (125-170)
Open + conversion	169 (140-185)	190 (180-200)
Postoperative length of stay, days, median (range)			< 0.001
Laparoscopy	2.4 (2-4)	2.55 (2-4)
Open + conversion	5.75 (4-7)	6.17 (5-7)
Postoperative complications	9 (25)	11 (36.7)
Pneumonia	2 (5.6)	3 (10)
Pleural effusion	3 (8.3)	4 (13.4)
Dysphagia	4 (11.1)	3 (10)
Intraabdominal hematoma	0 (0)	1 (3.3)
Radiologic recurrence	7 (19.4)	5 (16.7)
Asymptomatic	4 (11.1)	3 (10)
Symptomatic	3 (8.3)	2 (6.7)
Reoperation	3 (8.3)	2 (6.7)
Postoperative PPI use	3 (8.3)	3 (10)

PHH: Paraesophageal hiatal hernias; PPI: Proton pump inhibitor.